Lumsden Reminiscence Group

I enjoyed a lovely, sociable afternoon with some of the members of Lumsden Reminiscence Group. We read from the Scottish Book Trust's My Favourite Place and revisited lots of memories through the Pictures to share

series. We spoke about how powerful the sense of smell is when it comes to recalling memories. I invited each member to hold my Memory Stone and to try to remember.... One gentleman in his 90s spoke about his wartime experience in the airforce and remembered the smell of petrol as he jumped from a plane and then survived three days walking in the desert with only the equivalent of a cup of water to drink; another lady spoke about the smell of exotic spices on visiting India. These stories and also the less dramatic tales of everyday life are so interesting and often quite amazing. It's all too easy to forget that older people in our communities have once had full and busy lives - we all have a story to tell...

Peterhead Academy

Portsoy Primary School

I spent a whole day at Portsoy Primary School. We listened to readings from Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach and poetry about summer from various titles. We tried our hand at a bit of creative writing and even a little artwork. One class wanted to enter the short story writing at the Buchan Heritage Society's annual festival, so we did some Doric writing, too. The children were very well-behaved and enthusiastic and produced some great work.    

Comments from  P3,4 & 5

'I enjoyed learning Doric today.'

Declan

'I had fun writing my Doric story'.

Caitlyn

'I enjoyed today and got a big scare when I saw the spider on the hat I picked out of the box.'

Leah

'It was really fun and I learned a lot.' 

Justine

'I liked writing in Doric - my story was longer than usual.'

'A brilliant, entertaining morning. I was impressed by the amount of work the children produced. I think the children were amazed at their own work, too. Thank you! 

Class teacher

An exciting afternoon. The children listened really well to all the stories - they couldn't get enough. There were requests from some of the children for me to buy Debbie's books. They also had good fun writing and reading their poems. It would be lovely if you could come back to see us again. I know the children would love it.'

Class teacher 

The run up to Easter...

I'm still loving my role as Aberdeenshire Reader in Residence. The weeks are just flying by, and the diary is well booked up with lots to look forward to.
The run up to Easter was very busy with visits to care homes, schools, sheltered housing and heritage groups. I also hosted a 'Doric Night' at Ellon Library; opened a new computer room at Ellon Resource Centre; and dressed up as a woodland fairy for a storytelling stint at Aberdeenshire's Fyvie Castle. The next few months should prove to be just as eventful. Life is never dull...

We had a healthy turnout for Ellon Library's 'Doric Night' despite the freezing weather conditions. Thank you to everyone who came along to hear the poems and stories and enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Some comments from members of the public:

"What an enjoyable, entertaining evening. Excellent!

"A wonderful evening!"

"So entertained - so glad I came."

"Lots of memories, Debbie. You brought back things I'd forgotten about."

"You painted and amazing picture with your words." 

Easter Sunday at Fyvie Castle.

Children from all over Aberdeenshire had a great time on Easter Sunday at the National Trust for Scotland's Fyvie Castle. They enjoyed an Easter egg hunt (sponsored by Cadbury), a puppet show, face painting, and some storytelling from the woodland fairy (below).   

Cutting the ribbon at Ellon Resource Centre.

Ellon Resource Centre

The staff and service users at Ellon Resource Centre were proud to unveil their new computer room. The rows of brand new computers and Smart Whiteboard were kindly donated by Ellon Rotary Club. The mood was upbeat as refreshments were enjoyed by invited guests. Having worked at the centre on a number of occasions, I was delighted to be asked to come along to 'cut the ribbon', declaring the centre's brand new computer room well and truly open.

                                                              Cutting that ribbon.

                        

                                                          Saying it with flowers.

Pitmurchie Care Home, Torphins.

I spent a nice afternoon reading and chatting to the residents of Pitmurchie Care Home, Torphins. Aided by the lovely Vivien and her band of carers, the residents listened to some readings and even had a go at writing a collaborative poem of their own. Residents chatted about their memories of shopping and we  looked at two of the wonderful books from the 'Pictures to Share' series: 'Shopping in Pictures' and 'The Countryside in Pictures'.

One of the poems that complement the artwork (a spring scene of a ewe with her new-born lamb) in 'The Countryside in Pictures':

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by,
One after one;
the sound of rain and bees

Murmuring; the fall of rivers,
winds and seas,

Smooth fields, white sheets
of water, and pure sky;

I've thought of all by turns,
and still I lie

Sleepless. 

Quotation from 'To sleep' by William Wordsworth

We rounded off the session with a humorous Doric poem, 'A short Cut te Siller', by the late Ian Middleton. The poem tells the story of a young farmhand who marries for money instead of love.  


   

The residents collaborative list poem went like this...

These are a few of our favourite smells...

...A puppy's belly
Roses and daffodils
Violets
A newly-bathed baby
A nice cup of tea
Lavender
Clover
Going to the baker's shop
Posh soap
Fresh air
Pine needles
Home-baking - straight out of the oven
Cinnamon and Christmas
The smell of the sea - salty seaweed
Roast dinner on a Sunday
Honeysuckle and freesias...   

 

Comments

 

"More memories remembered."  Aileen

 

"Entertaining, well-presented and very engaging." Barbara Hookey

 

"Enjoyed the readings very much." Elma Ewen

 

"Liked the smells game." Davie Brand

 

"I knew most of the 'auld shoppies'. I remember painting a line down my leg to look like stockings." Isabell

                                                                                                                                        

"I liked remembering the sea air smell." Ben Thomson 

 

"I liked the smells quiz." Jimmy McKenzie